The EFL has today launched
‘Together – Supporting Communities’, an initiative to support the
communities and fans of the 72 League clubs during the cost-of-living
crisis.
The scheme will see EFL clubs provide community services and matchday offers to help people in challenging economic times and will contribute towards the Government’s ‘Help for Households’ initiative.
In rapid response, EFL clubs and their respective Club Community Organisations (CCOs) have already rolled out a variety of support to those hit the hardest, with foodbanks, clothing donations and even ‘heat hubs’ for members of disadvantaged communities in England and Wales.
Derby County's support to the campaign includes:
Rams Family Support project
The club has opened a new venue within the stadium: Harrison's Hub at the Community Corner. This has opened as a 'welcome space'. The club aims to offer weekly community meals, in addition to regular Derby County Community Trust activity, including coffee mornings and their long-standing food donation hub.
Rams Family Fund
The Rams Family Fund is set up to accept donations to purchase tickets for fans who may not usually be able to attend games. This was set up in the 2021/22 season and has raised almost £40,000 to date.
2022/23 Half Season Ticket
The club have launched a Half Season Ticket retailing at 20% lower than match-by-match ticket pricing.
EFL partners eBay, Lifebuoy and Papa Johns will also be joining the initiative, by providing ticketing and food offers for the rest of the season.
eBay will be using its partnership with the EFL to allow supporters and people in the local community, who may not usually be able to attend EFL fixtures, to do so through the provision of match day tickets, further showcasing a commitment and drive to bring communities, and EFL clubs within them together.
Lifebuoy will also provide tickets to EFL matches, specifically targeting families in need.
Papa Johns is offering all EFL ticket holders 50% off pizza through their Show Us Your Ticket campaign. This season-long campaign aims to boost fans’ matchday experience and reward their loyalty during the cost-of-living crisis.
EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch, said: “Providing a warm stadium for a coffee morning, a regular food bank or clothing collections, ‘Together – Supporting Communities’ will offer real tangible help for those people hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis within our communities.
“While EFL Ccubs support people all year round, we recognise that now more than ever we should come together and maximise the power of our network to support people who are struggling.”
Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew, said: “Football clubs are the heart and soul of their communities and this new initiative with the EFL shows the true value of these community assets.
"Clubs are nothing without their fans and in difficult times it is great to see clubs reaching out to help their followers with so much support.
“The government is helping people struggling this winter with our
Help for Households programme and I warmly welcome the Together -
Supporting Communities scheme which will provide another vital
lifeline."